ESPN Sent Out an Email to the Editorial Side Reminding Them to Tread Lightly on the Trayvon Martin Tragedy [UPDATE]

According to four difference sources, ESPN sent out an email to the editorial side in the last 24 hours reminding them to “avoid political commentary” in the social media space. We’re told the email – which was not company-wide, but rather by department – specifically referenced the Trayvon Martin tragedy.

In the email, ESPN brass gently reminded its employees to avoid discussing Martin’s death on twitter. Martin’s hoodie was mentioned.

[UPDATE: After some internal discussions at ESPN on the topic, this statement arrived via spokesman Josh Krulewitz: “It’s a tragic situation that has led to much thoughtful discussion throughout the company. As a result, in this circumstance, we have decided to allow this particular expression of human sympathy.”]